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a mini using an iMacs display

Z

zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Is it possible to connect my late 2009 Mini on the display of my 27" mid 2010 iMac whose GPU is not working?
 
You are correct but I think the experience of someone that has actually done this, and it works, would be very reassuring.
 
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Mitthrawnuruodo said:
If the target iMac need to use it's own GPU in target mode, then you are correct. 🙂

I thought it was worth a try if you have the relevant cable, just to see if the iMac turns into a "dumb" screen in target mode.
Click to expand...

There is no "If" here.
Both of my iMac 2009 and iMac 2010 will not work in Target Display Mode with a dead GPU (black screen).
A slightly-defected GPU (thick strips on the LCD) may works, but not a half dead GPU (artifact & freeze, boot screen and freeze)
 
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Also interested in a final answer.
I do no get why target mode requires iMac GPU to work properly whereas linked MBP or Mac mini has GPU capabilities
 
Twixt said:
Also interested in a final answer.
I do no get why target mode requires iMac GPU to work properly whereas linked MBP or Mac mini has GPU capabilities
Click to expand...

Because the iMac's GPU is what is rendering the iMac's screen in TDM. So if the iMac's GPU is inoperative, it cannot drive the iMac's display.
 
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I have connected my iMac and macMini with a miniDisplayPort cable, but without pressing Command+F2 as soon as i booted the macMini i could see it booting on my iMac. Isnt that strange?
Nor can i shift to the iMac by pressing Command+F2

And another worrying issue im encountering, is the fact that the MagicMouse that is connected to my iMac cannot be connected to the mini when i boot it... should i better use a wired mouse for my mini or just a different Magic mouse?
 
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If your iMac still has the dead GPU but can be used in Target Display Mode, then congratulations, you have saved the money needed to fix the GPU.
For iMac 2009 and 2010, by default, the iMac will detect an input video siganl and turn itself to target display mode.
Pressing Command + F2 will actually switch to normal mode.

I've experienced this situation. It even helped in my case, as my iMac 2010 (GPU = WX4150) booted up to High Sierra with a black screen, pluging-in a video feed from my Windows PC via the mDP port and it displayed Windows desktop. Turning off the Windows PC and the iMac displayed High Sierra log-in screen.

I don't quite understand you second question about the Magic Mouse.
Do you expect the Magic Mouse to magically switch to the Mac Mini once you power the Mini up?
Apple Magic Mouse is not that smart.
 
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Nguyen Duc Hieu said:
For iMac 2009 and 2010, by default, the iMac will detect an input video siganl and turn itself to target display mode.
Pressing Command + F2 will actually switch to normal mode.
Click to expand...
Dont know why but it works fine now.
The only thing that doesn't seem to be working is the display's brightness through the keyboard buttons.
 
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I have to ask Apple technicians on this matter, but i dont know how to reach them. In the Apple Communities, ig im not mistaking its just users that will reply. 🙁
 
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